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[Dougald]

That dragster might as well have come into my garage and sucker punched my Street Triple in the face. What a bike.

Ninja 500 is a great first bike, as is the GS500 (as can be attested by me and a few others in this thread). Miles don't matter as long as it's been maintained. There are people out there who will tell you "don't buy a bike with over 10k miles" but it really doesn't matter, and there is also a thing as too few miles, because then you get into having to replace dryrotten rubber parts and stuff.

I don't know much about the Ninja 500's design except that it was pretty similar to the GS500 but had liquid cooling. I'm pretty sure there were no big changes, if any, throughout the years so there shouldn't be an advantage to getting one year over another except price. They made tons of them, so parts will be easily available, and I know there's some forums out there for it.

If you know someone who's had bikes and even better who has worked on bikes, take them along when you go to look at bikes you find. Check for marks that mean the bike's been dropped. Simple scrapes usually indicate low (or no) speed drops, whereas longer horizontal scrapes indicate higher speed drops. If the bike has been dropped, it's not the end of the world, just make sure everything is straightened out and there's no engine damage. I also recommend that you don't buy anything until you've test ridden it. You can only tell so much by looking at a bike and being able to take it out and getting it through the gears will bring up things that you wouldn't have seen otherwise.

If you come up with any other questions, post 'em.

I agree with you, the Ninja 500 (GPZ500 in Euroland) is a great first "bigger" bike. The only thing I would caution on is it's going to be bigger/heavier than the 300. But it is very similar to the GS500 in terms of power output (50hp) and should be pretty forgiving. It should be fine for anyone with a few days training under their belt - it's more of a commuter than a sportsbike so don't let the '500' fool you into thinking its anywhere near as manic as a 600 sport. They also made them for 10-20 years, so there should be something to suit all budgets.

Things to check: marks on the engine covers (indicate if its been dropped), general chain/sprocket condition (look up some youtube videos that are great at explaining what a bad sprocket looks like), tyre wear, make sure all the electrics work, put it on the centre stand if it has one and move the handlebars side to side and check it feels smooth.... hmm what else am I forgetting GAF? It's only been 2 weeks since I bought the wifes CBR600F and I've forgotten what I looked at.

 

[Fallout-NL]

It's a twin

Right! I keep forgetting for some reason.

I still want a small sportbike that has more premium components on it. I had such a blast when I test rode an EX500 for someone and I thought it would be amazing to have an even smaller package, but with the amenities of a 600 supersport (nice suspension brakes, etc.).

Yeah, the only thing that seems to be missing on these new small bikes in that respect are fat(ter) tires.

The Monster 696 is a pretty good example of such a bike by the way. Had a lot of fun testriding that bike. Though 696cc is maybe not that small, hehe. Still, 161kg dry weight... For comparison the RC390 is 147. Quite a bit lighter, but not that much.

 

[Dougald]

Just seen the Scramblers OTR price here will be £6,895 for the base model and £7,995 for the other three. Compares favourably with the Bonneville (£6,799) and T100 (£7,599) for what I think is a much nicer looking bike.

Still can't afford a new one, though.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Do the other ones all come with the Termignoni system?

 

[Dougald]

I think its only the "full throttle" that comes with the Termi's

Which makes it either incredibly good value, or the vintage/offroady models a huge rip-off.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Just looked at the pictures again real quick. Think they cost the same because the Full Throttle one does not have the spoked wheels and the rather nice looking leather seat (is it actually leather?). Suppose that's a fair trade.

 

[Dougald]

Honestly, I like the base model the most. I'd rather buy that and add the full exhaust system

 

[opticalmace]

Motorcycling is expensive? Moreso than driving cars? I had the opposite impression, so could you clarify for me? Around $5,000.00 price range for new bikes, better on mileage right? Is the upkeep more demanding maybe? Needed gear more expensive than I'm taking into account?

Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
I'll start looking into used 500CC Ninjas for now.

Nice gear isn't cheap, and you'll probably want to modify your bike, get gear for different seasons (though you're in CA so maybe not :lol), things like that. In some places insurance can add a lot.

And then you'll lust after a different bike, yadda yadda... you'll see, it can add up.

A used Ninja 500 or GS500 would be great first bikes.

 

[DivineRage002]

Hmmmm.....do i need a new bike????????????

I thought porn wasnt allowed on this site.

Hi guys, new to this thread, been riding for two years.

I bought a Suzuki Gladius as my first bike, no regrets. I found the gs500 to be too slow for me during my classes, so I went with a 650, ~70-80hp.

I'll probably ride it for another two years or so and upgrate to an actual superbike, thinking of a S1000RR or a Ducati 1199.

 

[Dougald]

Nice ride, that Gladius is such a great first big bike, my wife did her DAS training on one and was bummed to find out they basically aren't available here used. Criminally undersold because Suzuki didn't know how to market the thing (that, and Suzuki just aren't really selling at all in the UK these days)

 

[opticalmace]

Nice ride, that Gladius is such a great first big bike, my wife did her DAS training on one and was bummed to find out they basically aren't available here used. Criminally undersold because Suzuki didn't know how to market the thing (that, and Suzuki just aren't really selling at all in the UK these days)

I'm not sure what you're talking about...

 

[Dougald]

^that is hilarious

They tried marketing it as a women's bike here, which is stupid because doing so turned off both men and women from buying it.

 

[Fallout-NL]

I thought porn wasnt allowed on this site.

Hi guys, new to this thread, been riding for two years.

I bought a Suzuki Gladius as my first bike, no regrets. I found the gs500 to be too slow for me during my classes, so I went with a 650, ~70-80hp.

I'll probably ride it for another two years or so and upgrate to an actual superbike, thinking of a S1000RR or a Ducati 1199.

Welcome! (you 2 letterbomb)

Thanks for sharing the pic, always good to see more bike photos, we love that

As for the S1000RR. I couldn't keep it under 100 miles an hour during my test drive four years ago (damn, time flies), so I thought it best to go for something a little less insane, haha.

 

[Drinky Crow]

the gladius is a great bike. i put 10k miles on one as my first real bike, and i still occasionally miss it.

 

[Dougald]

Test ride the entire BMW range *and* Bratwurst? I'm sold (Alton BMW)

 

[MutFox]

^Jealous

 

[DivineRage002]

Test ride the entire BMW range *and* Bratwurst? I'm sold (Alton BMW)

German sausages! Nice!

Oh and BMW bikes, good combo.

Edit: and this is the post where i realise I'm no longer a junior.

 

[Dougald]

If the weather holds, I might see if I can get me a ride on an rNineT...

 

[Drinky Crow]

GOD GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO STAY AWAY FROM THE BMW DEALERSHIP WHEN THE R1200RS COMES OUT

 

[Dougald]

even I want one

It'll probably cost almost twice what my car cost though so maybe not

 

[Fallout-NL]

Came across this on rideapart. It lists a couple of reasons why it's better to hold on to your old bike.

http://rideapart.com/articles/cheaper-keep-old-bike


So yeah, hang in there.

Though it would be a perfect replacement for that F800S, Drinky. You might even get a fair price for it as it's the same brand .

 

[opticalmace]

even I want one

It'll probably cost almost twice what my car cost though so maybe not

Wow that looks great.

 

[Fixed1979]

even I want one

It'll probably cost almost twice what my car cost though so maybe not

How good of a touring bike would this be? I'm guessing pretty awesome.

 

[Drinky Crow]

How good of a touring bike would this be? I'm guessing pretty awesome.

oh my yes

 

[RustyO]

Couple of daft questions for my Seattle brethen...

a) Where is the best place to buy a second hand bike?

b) How do you find local conditions / driver attitude to riders?

Any other thoughts?


And a general one for all Americans:

c) My understanding is it is impossible to get a Yamaha XT660 Tenere in the US, only the Super Tenere... too big / bulky for my needs.

Given that, need to start thinking about alternative options like the Kawasaki KLR650, maybe get another KTM or something. (Not really into the Suski DR650)

 

[Drinky Crow]

craigslist. if you see a good deal, post it here, and the seattle shat pack bike club will review it for you.

i will plug triumph of seattle -- they have a good used bike selection, and are super fair priced and minded.

take a look at the tiger 800 or bmw f700/800gs (or even the g650) if you want a decent lightweight adv ride. they show up on the used market from time to time.

riding conditions are, uhhhhhh. i'm so used to it my opinion probably isn't credible, but the drivers here ARE functionally retarded, and many of them actively hate driving. on the other hand, speeds aren't like california or texas interstates, and we have some of the BEST roads in the country (imho) on both the west and east cascades.

 

[Fixed1979]

oh my yes

Will have to keep my eye on the price. I was looking at one of the BMW adventure bikes as a second "touring" bike, assuming they don't completely go crazy with the price this would probably be a substantially better fit. No idea how I haven't seen it until just now...

 

[Dougald]

Okay riddle me this: *why* do the most expensive lids generally have the worst/most conservative designs?

 

[TCRS]

Damn, that looks amazing. No matter what, I'm doing that sometime.

Also, your buddy's kid is bound to turn 18 at some point, right?

Spoiler

Hell, he or she might even join you on the trip .

damn that's beautiful. one day.

thanks for the pics richardhawk!

 

[Fallout-NL]

Okay riddle me this: *why* do the most expensive lids generally have the worst/most conservative designs?

Dunno, perhaps those designs are functional as well in terms of how resilient they are?

 

[blackprophesy]

After getting my learners licence back in New Zealand around 13 years ago and then expatriating to UK and not needing transport I'm finally learning to ride again. Just passed my Module 1 test today at my first attempt. Module 2 booked for mid November then down to the Honda and BMW dealers for test rides. Looking at the CBR650F or the BMW F800R. Can't wait. And then it'll be winter.

 

[monchi-kun]

Finally able to ride now that my newborn son is able to take much longer naps. My god I feel like a total n00b on my bike...i've only been off 2 wheels for 3 months!

 

[Dougald]

After getting my learners licence back in New Zealand around 13 years ago and then expatriating to UK and not needing transport I'm finally learning to ride again. Just passed my Module 1 test today at my first attempt. Module 2 booked for mid November then down to the Honda and BMW dealers for test rides. Looking at the CBR650F or the BMW F800R. Can't wait. And then it'll be winter.

Nice one, another person dealing with the wonders of the DVLA motorcycle tests. At least Module 2 is probably the "easiest" section to pass (though I still managed to fail it, but we'll not speak more of that). At least UK licenses are directly convertible to NZ licenses if you ever decide to move back... Where abouts are you based?

 

[maxheadwound]

Finally able to ride now that my newborn son is able to take much longer naps. My god I feel like a total n00b on my bike...i've only been off 2 wheels for 3 months!

Great man.. it will come back soon.

 

[Fallout-NL]

Was noticeably colder out today. Don't know how I'm gonna manage four months without riding.

Do have a winter project lined up though. I pushed the X1 over to my parents' house a couple weeks ago and my dad opened it up to see what was ailing the bike. I didn't already mention this, did I? But it turns out the oil pump drive gear failed (ground itself to pieces), causing this:

What's particularly shitty about this, is that we preemptively replaced this part (along with cylinders/pistons) last winter. Yet it failed after only a thousand kilometers while the original one looked like it had been going strong for the entire life of the bike (38000 kilometers).

The replacement gear was sold by a local Harley dealer. Made in Taiwan.

I've now ordered another version of the drive gear from Hammer Performance in Idaho. Should do a lot better than 1000 kilometers I hope . Also got some new hydraulic lifters from those guys (the X1 ran a bit noisey, the valves were ticking more than necessary, which is regulated by those lifters).

Now all we need to do is clean up this mess. After that I really hope it's ready for another 20 to 30000 kilometers. The M2 is running fine now though. Hope it stays like that so that I can take them both out for a ride with my dad or my buddies. Take some pictures, you know.

 

[Dougald]

That's bloody terrible, I hope you give the Harley Dealer a few words. I know we can laugh it off as being American/British/Chinese/whatever quality, but that must have been a manufacturing fault.

Also, get some thermals and keep riding!!!! Though we have been so lucky in England this year, it's still hanging around at 15-18C, in fact I took the thermal layer *out* of my riding trousers at the weekend as I was too hot. I am definitely enjoying the heated seat my exhaust provides though...

 

[Fallout-NL]

That's bloody terrible, I hope you give the Harley Dealer a few words. I know we can laugh it off as being American/British/Chinese/whatever quality, but that must have been a manufacturing fault.

Yeah, though there is a very slight chance that a fault in the crankshaft is causing the gear to fail prematurely. It is, however, very slight, because the previous gear didn't show any signs of excessive wear and there should be other areas where additional wear is apparent if the crankshaft is indeed at fault.

If the new gear turns out to not have any issues I'm definitely paying those guys a visit though.

Also, get some thermals and keep riding!!!! Though we have been so lucky in England this year, it's still hanging around at 15-18C, in fact I took the thermal layer *out* of my riding trousers at the weekend as I was too hot. I am definitely enjoying the heated seat my exhaust provides though...

I don't mind the cold though. What I can't stand is the thought of road salt eating through my precious bikes .

How do you handle that?

 

[MutFox]

Just got these gloves as they're $100 off...

Dainese Full Metal Pro Gloves

They're an older model, hope they're ok...

 

[Dougald]

I don't mind the cold though. What I can't stand is the thought of road salt eating through my precious bikes .

How do you handle that?

ACF-50 liberally applied all over the bike works wonders. The US air force use it to prevent corrosion on their aircraft. Not had any corrosion from salty roads thanks to this and a regular cleaning regime. They actually claim you can just treat it and leave the bike all winter without cleaning, but I can't bear to do that.

 

[Fallout-NL]

That is very interesting. Don't know if I can bear to take the risk though. What if you miss a spot, haha .

I'll look into it though.

 

[phazedplasma]

Has anyone taken the intermediate MSF course? Got any impressions?

I'm thinking of doing that in the spring. Been riding about 1.5 years, got over a thousand miles on my bike now...

 

[opticalmace]

Has anyone taken the intermediate MSF course? Got any impressions?

I'm thinking of doing that in the spring. Been riding about 1.5 years, got over a thousand miles on my bike now...

1000 miles in 1.5 years? That's some kind of record.

 

[Watevaman]

1000 miles in 1.5 years? That's some kind of record.

Hey now, not everyone has the time to ride like some of us.

I would probably take it if it didn't cost so much. We do parking lot days in my college motorcycle club where we practice stuff so that covers me.

 

[Drinky Crow]

i did over 15k this year alone </notsohumblebrag>

 

[Jackson]

i did over 15k this year alone </notsohumblebrag>

So... that averages to be what? 1,000k per bike, right?

 

[maxheadwound]

i did over 15k this year alone </notsohumblebrag>

wow that is allot... good times. I only managed 3000 miles.

 

[Dougald]

I didn't put more than 1500 miles on my rides this year. Used to do 4-5k a year but living in a small country + working from home means I don't put as many miles on it as some of you chaps

Mind you I have seen 10yr old Bonnevilles for sale with less than 2k on the clock, so...

 

[maxheadwound]

Some eye candy of the new BRUTALE 800 DRAGSTER

 

[thesoapster]

That looks incredible. I wonder how well it "works", though.

 

[Watevaman]

I didn't put more than 1500 miles on my rides this year. Used to do 4-5k a year but living in a small country + working from home means I don't put as many miles on it as some of you chaps

Mind you I have seen 10yr old Bonnevilles for sale with less than 2k on the clock, so...

I would think working from home would make you ride more. Wanting to get out of the house and all that.

I didn't put too many miles on either. Maybe about 5k or so. Doesn't help that I still haven't had a chance to get the zrx into the shop.